Chancellors estate agents in Notting Hill

Famed for its bohemian reputation, many come to Notting Hill in search of something different, with its pastel-coloured houses sat alongside chic eateries and antique shops.

Despite this, many visitors are surprised by the area’s sophistication. Few places in London give such a sense of fashionable diversity. It’s a vibrant area that boasts a winning combination of style, food and the arts.

A Sunday morning stroll through Portobello Road market promises a feast for the senses, complete with antique stalls, quirky bric-a-bric and pavement cafes. For a more conventional shopping experience, many head for the trendy boutiques and high street retailers of Notting Hill Gate.

Considered one of the greenest areas in the capital, part of Notting Hill’s appeal lies in the abundance of open spaces. Holland Park and Kensington Gardens are among the highlights, not to mention the many communal gardens. Accessible only to residents, these private sanctuaries offer a slice of rural bliss among city living.

From its cultural attractions to the first-rate schools and convenient transport links, it’s easy to understand why many Notting Hill residents wouldn’t dream of leaving.

Transportation in Notting Hill

Notting Hill boasts impressive transport links to the rest of the city, as well as other major hubs in the UK. A main London Underground station offers three lines – Central, Circle and District. The nearby stations of Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park also cover the Hammersmith and City Line.

Travelling by car is also effortless thanks to the nearby A4, which links to the M4. From here, central London is accessible to the east, or travel west to Heathrow takes as little as 35 minutes.

Primary and secondary schools in Notting Hill

The exceptional schools of Notting Hill are among the best in London. For example, take Wetherby, which caters for boys aged four to eight. Former pupils of this prep school include Princes William and Harry. Pembridge Hall is the girls’ equivalent, offering great facilities for those aged four to 11.

State schools are just as impressive, with many judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. These include Fox Primary School, as well as the secondary Cardinal Vaughn Memorial School and Holland Park School.

Higher education institutes include London College UCK – based out of Notting Hill Gate – and David Game College. Both provide an extensive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

History of Notting Hill

London’s fashionable Notting Hill wasn’t always the desirable location it is today. Only 50 years ago, it was described by many as a slum, complete with multi-occupied housing, poor infrastructure and worryingly high crime rates. Undergoing one of the most extensive transformations found across the city, it’s hard to imagine this humble recent past.

Notting Hill’s history can actually be traced back to the 19^th century, when it gained prominence for its local potteries and pig farms. As such, the area become affectionately known as the Potteries and Piggeries. Although it remained rural for much of this time, architect Thomas Allason oversaw the development of the Ladbroke and Norland estates. These large houses, once home to the affluent, soon fell into disrepair following World War II.

Despite the declining living conditions and race riots of 1958, Notting Hill emerged from its tumultuous past as one of the city’s most sought-after destinations. This vibrant heritage is still celebrated each year with the Notting Hill Carnival.

Things to do in Notting Hill

Visitors love to explore the winding streets of this cosmopolitan district. For those fortunate enough to reside here, all the major attractions are only a stone’s throw away. Some of the highlights include:

• Ladbroke Square
• Notting Hill Arts Club
• Electric Cinema
• Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising
• Pacifica Day Spa
• Portobello Road Market
• Savana Urban Spa
• Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
• Graffik Gallery
• Holland Park
• Kensington Leisure Centre
• The Print Room

How to get to Notting Hill

• By road: For those travelling from the north, take the M1 and exit at Junction 1 before continuing onto the A5. From here, follow signs for Notting Hill via Edgware Road. Alternatively, Notting Hill can be reached from the south via the A23 and M23.
• By rail: Notting Hill is located within a short distance of Shepherd’s Bush station. Sat on the West London line, services are frequent between Milton Keynes Central and East Croydon, as well as Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction. Alternatively, Notting Hill Gate Underground station is served by the Central, Circle and District lines, offering convenience for those visiting from London, as well as the rest of the UK via London Paddington or Euston.